Sophocles' Electra will receive a contemporary rock overhaul in the new musical Elektrafire as part of the New York International Fringe Festival.

The guitar-driven score for the musical is billed as a mix of the rock stylings of Nirvana and Tool. Based on Sophocles' classic, the musical tells of "Elektra, royal princess in the House of Atreus, [who] is surrounded by murder, lies, abuse and torture," according to press notes. "She, her sister Chrysothemis, and their brother Orestes must work together to escape the brutal manipulations of their mother, Queen Klytemnestra, and bring peace to their lives. Each must decide what is right and wrong, what is justice and what is revenge, and what's the proper response. Elektrafire tells a chilling tale of empowerment and self-reliance."

The bloody rock-fueled musical stars Eliot Norton winner Bridget Beirne as Elektra. Beirne previously appeared on the New York stage with the York Theatre Company in That Time of Year and Oh, Boy. She won the Eliot Norton Award for her portrayal of the title role in the New England premiere of Violet. Beirne has also appeared in the Goodspeed Opera House production of Lizzie Borden and starred as Queenie in the New England premiere of Michael John LaChiusa's The Wild Party.

The modern rock opera features music and lyrics by Doug Thoms, who will also play the role of Agamemnon for the Fringe production.

Elektrafire will play the Village Theatre Aug. 20–26. The Village Theatre is located at 158 Bleecker Street in Manhattan. Tickets are available by calling (212) 279-4488 or by visiting www.fringenyc.org. For further information visit www.livestageperformance.net.